Juventus had little time to celebrate
after bagging their fourth consecutive Serie A title with
Saturday's 1-0 win at Sampdoria.
Having sprayed champagne around the dressing room in Genoa,
Massimiliano Allegri's men were recalled straight back to
training on Sunday ahead of Tuesday's home leg of their
Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.
When former Milan boss Allegri took over the Turin giants
in July, there was widespread skepticism among Juve fans about
his ability to repeat the feats of Antonio Conte, who won three
titles on the trot before departing and becoming Italy boss.
Allegri had won the league his first season with Milan, in
2010-11, but there was little success after that and he was
sacked in January 2014.
But if anything, Allegri could surpass Conte, who never
mounted a strong challenge in Europe premier's club competition
during his time at Juve.
Under Allegri, on the other hand, Juve are still in with a
chance of the winning a remarkable treble.
In addition to reaching the 'fantastic four' of European
football, along with Real, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Juve
have also progressed to the Italian Cup final, and will face
Lazio.
Pundits have said Juve have benefited in Europe from
Allegri's more relaxed style compared to Conte's, and his
greater tactical flexibility and willingness to switch playing
systems when needed.
"Take over a team on July 15 and take them to victory. You
need balls to do that!," Juventus Chairman Andrea Agnelli said
via his Twitter feed. "Thanks Max".
That said, Juve are underdogs of the four remaining the
Champions League.
But the two-time European champions, who have conquered
their 31st Serie A title, are hopeful of overcoming the odds.
"We have written a page of history with our fourth
consecutive scudetto," said Juve and Italy defender Andrea
Barzagli.
"And we want to keep doing so."
Juve's Spanish striker Alvaro Morata, a former Real Madrid
player, struck a similar tone.
"We want to win the Champions League this year," said
Morata.
"We are among the best four teams in Europe and we can make
to be among the top two".
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